Fire Game Day: 2-1 victory puts Fire in Open Cup final

Sebastian Grazzini scored on a first-half penalty kick and Dominic Oduro added a second half insurance goal as the Fire beat Richmond 2-1 in a U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Tuesday.

The win propelled the Fire into the Open Cup title for the first time since 2006. The four-time Cup champs meet either FC Dallas or Seattle in early October.

"It was a special moment for the team, for our fans for an opportunity to win something," interim Fire coach Frank Klopas said. "I think the team is coming together. I know that throughout the season some of the results haven't been there, but I know the team has played well."

Grazzini scored in the 32nd minute after Patrick Nyarko was knocked down in the penalty box. The Fire midfielder lined a shot to the far right corner of the net past Kickers goalie Ronnie Pascale.

Grazzini's goal was his third since joining the Fire in mid-July. He had another try in the 45th minute, but a shot from the left of Pascale went over the net.

In the 60th minute, Oduro skipped a shot over Pascale for his 10th Fire goal in all games played.

The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest continuing soccer tournament in the nation, dating to 1913. In 1999 it was renamed in honor of soccer benefactor Lamar Hunt.

Ten of 11 starters from last Saturday's 2-0 Major League Soccer victory over Colorado took the field as the Fire sought an Open Cup finals berth for the sixth time in franchise history. Daniel Paladini started at midfield in place of Pavel Pardo.

The Kickers won their sole Cup in 1995, the last year before MLS teams entered competition. The Fire have won four times, more than any MLS team. Their last title was in 2006.

The Fire, now 6-2-0 all-time in U.S. Open Cup semifinals, beat Colorado, San Jose and the Rochester (N.Y.) Rhinos to reach the semis.

Richmond, which plays at the United Soccer Leagues USL-Pro level, advanced with victories over FC Dallas and Sporting Kansas City. The Kickers regular season ended last Saturday with a 3-0 playoff loss to Orlando City.